What to expect
Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
A temple on the northern edge of Chidambaram dedicated to Kali (Thillai Kaliamman), consort of Shiva. It was built by the Kadava chieftain Kopperunchinga, who ruled between 1229 and 1278 CE. Legend links it to the dance contest between Shiva and Parvati, after which Kali is said to have settled here away from the Nataraja shrine.
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Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
Place
Practical guide
Plan Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
Typetemple
Nearest baseThiruvetkalam
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseThiruvetkalam
DistrictCuddalore
Place typetemple
Time neededAbout an hour.
A temple on the northern edge of Chidambaram dedicated to Kali (Thillai Kaliamman), consort of Shiva. It was built by the Kadava chieftain Kopperunchinga, who ruled between 1229 and 1278 CE. Legend links it to the dance contest between Shiva and Parvati, after which Kali is said to have settled here away from the Nataraja shrine.
Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram is planned from Thiruvetkalam, one of the travel bases in Cuddalore district. Use Thiruvetkalam for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram — at a glance
Timings6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 to 8:30 PM
Best timeNovember to February
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
About 1.5 km north of Chidambaram centre; nearest railway Chidambaram (~2 km); nearest airport Puducherry (~60 km) or Trichy TRZ (~120 km).
Located just outside the main Nataraja temple area; combine with a Chidambaram temple visit.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Thiruvetkalam or nearby in Cuddalore, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Thillai Kali Temple, ChidambaramSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
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On the map
Where Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram is
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Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram?
Entry: Free. Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 to 8:30 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram?
Base yourself in Thiruvetkalam or nearby in Cuddalore, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram?
About an hour.
What else is near Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram?
Nearby you can pair Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram (290 m), Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Chidambaram (290 m), Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Thiruvetkalam (2.4 km), Uchinathar Temple, Sivapuri (Thirunelvayil) (3.4 km).
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Stories, legends & history of Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram
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